Nick says he is "cool" if he never plays again.

The writing is on the wall for Nick Van Exel in Portland. The firing of Maurice signaled the end of trying to win. If you are not trying to win, then you do not need Nick. Immediately after Cheeks was fired NVE traded his uniform for a suit. He said he was resting his knees. Immediately after that he traded the suit for a uniform as if to say, hey coach, I'm still here. That plea fell on deaf ears. The Blazers have given up on winning for this season and that means that veterans like Nick will be relegated to the bench or even behind it on the IL. I am not pleased that Blazer management decided to pack it in under the guise of "developing youth". Many Blazer fans seem satisfied and are reaching for the silver lining. Myself? I think purposely taking your chances to win away goes against everything sports is about. Since when is losing acceptable? The last I knew it is only acceptable when you give it all you have. Blazer management isn't doing that.

Nick isn't stupid, he knows the score. He knows it's over for him in Portland:
"...I've been thinking of (retiring), especially through the tough times with my knee injury from last season," Van Exel said in a recent telephone interview. "I was tired of feeling the way I felt. Losing takes a toll on me."
But he would put off retirement for the right opportunity: "A winning or a good situation. A chance to win a championship."
"I'm cool. If I never play again, I'm fine."
Source: Denverpost.com